🐰 I Lost My Rabbits to Myxomatosis — What I Wish I Knew 💔

Losing a pet is never easy, but losing both of my rabbits to something I didn’t fully understand was heartbreaking.

I had heard of myxomatosis before, but I didn’t realise how it actually spreads—or how quickly it can take hold. What I didn’t know at the time is something I wish every rabbit owner understood.

If sharing this helps even one rabbit stay safe, then it’s worth it 💜

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🦟 What Is Myxomatosis?

Myxomatosis is a serious viral disease that affects rabbits. It can cause severe swelling, infection, and in many cases, it’s fatal.

It’s one of those things you might hear about but not think will ever happen to you—until it does.

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⚠️ How It Spreads (This Is What I Didn’t Know)

One of the biggest shocks for me was learning how easily it spreads.

Myxomatosis is commonly transmitted by:

• 🦟 Mosquitoes
• 🐜 Fleas and other biting insects
• 🐰 Direct contact with infected rabbits

This means even if your rabbits are well cared for, they can still be at risk—especially during warmer months when insects are more active.

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💔 It Can Spread Quickly Between Rabbits

Something else many people don’t realise is how fast it can move.

If you have more than one rabbit, the virus can spread between them quickly. In my case, I lost both of mine.

That’s what makes prevention so important—because once it starts, it can be incredibly difficult to stop.

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💉 Does Vaccination Help?

Vaccination can help protect rabbits and may reduce the severity of the disease.

However, it’s important to understand:

👉 It doesn’t always guarantee full protection.

Even vaccinated rabbits can still become ill, though they may have a better chance depending on the situation.

This is why layered protection matters—reducing exposure is just as important as vaccination.

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🚨 Signs to Watch For

Early signs of myxomatosis can include:

• Swelling around the eyes, ears, or face
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Lethargy or lack of appetite
• Breathing difficulties

If you notice any of these, it’s important to contact a vet as soon as possible.

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🛡️ How to Help Protect Your Rabbits

While nothing is ever 100% guaranteed, there are simple steps that can make a real difference:

🦟 Reduce insect exposure

Creating a barrier between your rabbits and biting insects is one of the most important steps.

👉 Using a mosquito protection net over hutches or outdoor runs can help reduce contact with insects.

Using a [rabbit mosquito protection net] can help reduce exposure…

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🏡 Keep their space clean and secure

A clean, well-maintained environment helps reduce the risk of pests.

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🌿 Be extra careful in warmer months

Mosquito activity increases in summer, so extra protection during this time is key.

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🐰 Safe outdoor setups

If your rabbits spend time outside, making sure their enclosure is protected can help keep them safe while still allowing them to enjoy fresh air and grass.

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💜 A Small Step That Can Make a Big Difference

Looking back, I wish I had known how important mosquito protection really was.

Something as simple as adding a protective barrier could have reduced the risk.

That’s why I now make it a priority to share this—because many rabbit owners simply don’t realise the danger until it’s too late.

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🐾 Final Thoughts

If you have rabbits, take a moment to think about their setup—especially during warmer months.

Even small changes can help protect them.

👉 Because once you’ve been through it, you realise how much you’d do to prevent it.

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💜 If this helps even one rabbit stay safe, it’s worth it.